Attitude Toward Warfare in Beowulf :: Anglo Saxon English Literature Essays

Attitude Toward war in BeowulfMany historians and authors, such as Tacitus, described Anglo-Saxon England as a region dominated by warlike, belligerent tribes of Germanic descent. These population constantly fought for territories and treasures, which they possessed or wished to acquire. It was the duty of a king or a maestro to acquire jewels and armor for his people and that was how he unploughed his kinsmen loyal to him. In the legendary heroical numbers, Beowulf, these traits of Anglo-Saxon culture ar clearly defined. The character of Beowulf is a true representative of Anglo-Saxon culture. First, Beowulf performs his duties as a kinsman to his uncle, Hygelac, with loyalty and dedication. Further, a reader witnesses Beowulf acting as a lord to his people, acquiring land and treasures for them. Moreover, the attitude of unknown narrator of the poem reflects his support and approval of the culture described in Beowulf. The epic, Beowulf, begins with the funeral of Shield She afson, the brain of the Danish people. Shield Sheafson is described as a scourge of umpteen tribes, a wrecker of mead-benches, rampaging among foes (lines 4-5). Obviously, this ring-giver has led an aggressive and violent life. He has terrorized his neighbors and come to tribes, destroyed their mead-halls or gathering places, and in addition, made them pay tribute. Therefore, bit the king was alive, his tribe was protected from enemies, fed, clothed and enjoyed the treasures which their lord acquired for them. The author of the epic shows his approval of this culture and its attributes by saying that Shield Sheafson was one dear(p) king (line 10). Kinship was one of the main aspects of Anglo-Saxon England - a lord led his men in fyrd (journey or expedition) against enemies, acquired treasures for them and protected his tribe and in return for all that, his kinsmen were loyal to him and followed their lord in battles. People were non identified on a demographic basis, but by the ir be to a particular king or a ring-giver. Furthermore, the idea of kinship is demonstrated in other parts of the epic. When Beowulf is described preparing to fight the dragon, his pull through battle, Wiglaf follows Beowulf, his lord, into the fray. Wiglaf remains by Beowulfs side until the heros death, although the rest of Beowulfs warriors disappear with the first wad of the dragon. Wiglaf demonstrates his loyalty not to his country or to his tribe, but particularly to his lord, Beowulf